When a very prominent princess goes missing for 70 days, there will always be speculation, rumor-mongering and conspiracy theories. That’s what Kensington Palace found out in recent weeks/months. I think it’s interesting that KP wasn’t really feeling “the heat” of providing proof of life on the Princess of Wales up until last week. One week ago, Prince William pulled out of King Constantine’s memorial service at the last minute, citing a “personal matter.” That’s when it all began – suddenly, KP could not contain the speculation about Kate’s whereabouts and condition. What they thought would be a local, manageable story became an international news story, covered in all of its weirdness on American news channels and beyond. KP hemmed and hawed and tried to weasel out of responsibility for what they created. And now we finally have proof of life, via grainy-as-hell exclusive Backgrid photos.
Kate Middleton Seen in Public for First Time Since Mystery Hospitalization | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/O7zlxZfiCY
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 4, 2024
I sent the pic to my pal and he removed the added distortion lol. pic.twitter.com/I81s2NbeR8
— Ki’Somma (@sweettee33) March 4, 2024
Because Kate has been missing for so long, these grainy proof of life photos just added new layers of conspiracy and rumor – some claimed the person in the passenger seat is definitely NOT Kate, but Pippa. Some say it’s a Faux Kate, hired for the pap stroll/drive. Some say the photo is doctored and it is Kate, but it’s an older photo. There’s a whole thing with the number of tires, and Kate’s missing mole, and how the “grainy” quality of the photo was added in post.
Like… maybe some of these theories have some meat, but personally, I find it more interesting to assume that this IS Kate and go from there. Was she ordered to do this photo op by the palace? Did William know about it? Was this something Carole and Kate dreamt up together? Is she on steroids? (Likely.) Is Kate genuinely recovering at Adelaide Cottage? Or has she been staying at Middleton Manor? And, as I asked yesterday, if Kate is “well enough” to wear lipstick, sit in a car and be driven around, why didn’t the palace simply organize a simple “recovery” photo weeks ago, along with a message of thanks for all the well-wishes?
Photos courtesy of Backgrid, Cover Images.
London, UNITED KINGDOM – Duchess of Cambridge spotted the morning after Meghan Markle accused her of making her cry. She was spotted driving into Kensington Palace. In her explosive interview with Oprah, Meghan also addressed how she was treated differently in the press saying, ‘We’ve all had to deal with some things that are rude,’ rude and racist are not the same.” Pictured: Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton BACKGRID USA 8 MARCH 2021 BYLINE MUST READ: MJ Pictures / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication* 
East Moseley, UNITED KINGDOM – The Princess of Wales hosts a reception for the England Wheelchair Rugby League team in recognition of their success at the recent Rugby League World Cup, at Hampton Court Palace, East Moseley, Surrey, UK, on the 19th of January 2023. Pictured: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton BACKGRID USA 19 JANUARY 2023 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication* 
Slough, UNITED KINGDOM – The Princess of Wales pictured visiting Oxford House Nursing Home in Slough on Tuesday 21st February to meet with staff and residents and hear how delivering high-quality, patient-focused care is at the center of the home’s work. Pictured: The Princess of Wales – Kate Middleton BACKGRID USA 21 FEBRUARY 2023 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre in Port Talbot, Wales Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Port Talbot, Wales, United Kingdom When: 28 Feb 2023 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE** 
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre in Port Talbot, Wales Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Port Talbot, Wales, United Kingdom When: 28 Feb 2023 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE** 
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre in Port Talbot, Wales Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Port Talbot, Wales, United Kingdom When: 28 Feb 2023 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Windsor Family Hub in Berkshire to hear about the work the organisation carries out to provide support to families across Windsor, Maidenhead and the surrounding areas. Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 06 Jun 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY** 
Guests attend the Royal Variety Performance 2023 in London Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 30 Nov 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmcW5ga352e8ueq6yXkajAtrnEmKuhp6OarLG0zq2mrJefm6yxvsinmp6ro5S4osDEmJirnY%2BnsqK4vrCfqJeRp7%2Biusaem5ismJq6oMPHsmY%3D